ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Cook Jobs in Durham, NC (NOW HIRING)

Waffle House, Inc.

Cook / Grill Operator

Knightdale, NC · On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks (all ... some holidays Requirements: * Entry level, no experience required * Must have a positive and ...

Waffle House, Inc.

Cook / Grill Operator

Cary, NC · On-site

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks (all ... some holidays Requirements: * Entry level, no experience required * Must have a positive and ...

Waffle House, Inc.

Cook / Grill Operator

Knightdale, NC

$13.25 - $17/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks (all ... some holidays Requirements: * Entry level, no experience required * Must have a positive and ...

Waffle House, Inc.

Cook / Grill Operator

Durham, NC · On-site

$13.25 - $17.25/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks (all ... some holidays Requirements: * Entry level, no experience required * Must have a positive and ...

Waffle House, Inc.

Cook / Grill Operator

Pittsboro, NC

$10.25 - $13.25/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks (all ... some holidays Requirements: * Entry level, no experience required * Must have a positive and ...

Waffle House, Inc.

Cook / Grill Operator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$13 - $16.75/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks (all ... some holidays Requirements: * Entry level, no experience required * Must have a positive and ...

Waffle House, Inc.

Cook / Grill Operator

Pittsboro, NC · On-site

$10.25 - $13.25/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks (all ... some holidays Requirements: * Entry level, no experience required * Must have a positive and ...

Waffle House, Inc.

Cook / Grill Operator

Creedmoor, NC · On-site

$10.50 - $13.75/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks (all ... some holidays Requirements: * Entry level, no experience required * Must have a positive and ...

Waffle House, Inc.

Cook / Grill Operator

Burlington, NC · On-site

$12.25 - $15.75/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks (all ... some holidays Requirements: * Entry level, no experience required * Must have a positive and ...

Waffle House, Inc.

Cook / Grill Operator

Graham, NC · On-site

$11.75 - $15.25/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks (all ... some holidays Requirements: * Entry level, no experience required * Must have a positive and ...

Waffle House, Inc.

Cook / Grill Operator

Durham, NC

$13.25 - $17.25/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks (all ... some holidays Requirements: * Entry level, no experience required * Must have a positive and ...

Waffle House, Inc.

Cook / Grill Operator

Youngsville, NC · On-site

$11.25 - $14.50/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks (all ... some holidays Requirements: * Entry level, no experience required * Must have a positive and ...

Waffle House, Inc.

Cook / Grill Operator

Burlington, NC

$12.25 - $15.75/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks (all ... some holidays Requirements: * Entry level, no experience required * Must have a positive and ...

Waffle House, Inc.

Cook / Grill Operator

Apex, NC

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks (all ... some holidays Requirements: * Entry level, no experience required * Must have a positive and ...

Waffle House, Inc.

Cook / Grill Operator

Raleigh, NC

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks (all ... some holidays Requirements: * Entry level, no experience required * Must have a positive and ...

Waffle House, Inc.

Cook / Grill Operator

NC · On-site

$12 - $15.50/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks (all ... some holidays Requirements: * Entry level, no experience required * Must have a positive and ...

Waffle House, Inc.

Cook / Grill Operator

Graham, NC

$11.75 - $15.25/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks (all ... some holidays Requirements: * Entry level, no experience required * Must have a positive and ...

Waffle House, Inc.

Cook / Grill Operator

Hillsborough, NC · On-site

$12.50 - $16/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks (all ... some holidays Requirements: * Entry level, no experience required * Must have a positive and ...

Waffle House, Inc.

Cook / Grill Operator

Morrisville, NC · On-site

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks (all ... some holidays Requirements: * Entry level, no experience required * Must have a positive and ...

Waffle House, Inc.

Cook / Grill Operator

Durham, NC

$14 - $18/hr

We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks (all ... some holidays Requirements: * Entry level, no experience required * Must have a positive and ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsCook JobsEntry Level Cook JobsEntry Level Cook Jobs in Durham, NC

Entry Level Cook information

See Durham, NC salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do entry level cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level cook in Durham, NC is $15.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.03 and $17.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level cook?

An Entry Level Cook is responsible for basic food preparation and assisting in the kitchen under the supervision of senior chefs. Duties may include chopping ingredients, following recipes, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring food safety standards. This position helps individuals gain hands-on experience in a professional kitchen setting. It is a great starting point for those looking to advance in the culinary field.

What does an entry level cook do?

As an Entry Level Cook, your workday often starts with prepping ingredients and setting up your workstation according to the day's menu. Throughout your shift, you'll prepare and cook dishes under the supervision of senior cooks or kitchen managers, assist with cleaning and organization, and restock supplies as needed. The pace can be fast, especially during meal rushes, and you’ll frequently collaborate with other kitchen staff to ensure orders are accurate and timely. This hands-on experience helps you build essential culinary skills and fosters a strong understanding of team operations in a professional kitchen.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an entry level cook?

To thrive as an Entry Level Cook, you need basic cooking skills, familiarity with food safety standards, and the ability to follow recipes and instructions, often gained through high school education or culinary training programs. Exposure to kitchen equipment like grills, fryers, ovens, and knowledge of food handling certifications (such as ServSafe) are typically expected. Attention to detail, reliability, strong communication, and teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These qualifications help ensure delicious, safe meals are prepared efficiently while maintaining a positive, productive kitchen environment.

How do I start working as an entry level cook with no experience?

To start as an entry level cook with no experience, focus on gaining basic kitchen skills, such as knife handling and food safety, through online courses or volunteering. Apply for entry-level positions at restaurants or cafes, emphasizing your willingness to learn and work in a team; some employers may provide on-the-job training. Obtaining a food handler's permit can also improve your chances of getting hired.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Durham, NC?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Durham, NC are:

What cities near Durham, NC are hiring for Entry Level Cook jobs?

Cities near Durham, NC with the most Entry Level Cook job openings:

Entry Level Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Cook job openings in Durham, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $32,217 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Cook / Grill Operator

Waffle House, Inc.

Knightdale, NC • On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Waffle House rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 427 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

61st of 88 rated restaurants

Job description

JOB DETAILS
At Waffle House, we are not in the food business. We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time cooks (all shifts).
Being in the People Business, we don't just take care of our customers. We take care of our people. Since 1955, we have provided a fulfilling, fun and rewarding career.
Why join us?
  • With our best-in-class training, you'll earn well above what you might earn as a Cook at other similar restaurants.
  • Paid time off, Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance available
  • Paid Maternity Leave benefits available after 2 years
  • Flexible schedules - Full time or Part time, Day or Night shift / Overnight shift
  • Opportunities to advance to supervisor and management positions
  • Waffle House Stock ownership opportunities after 90 days.
  • Paid weekly. Direct deposit and pay card available for weekly payout.

The Role:
As a Cook, your job is all about delivering the Waffle House experience to your Customers.
  • You can expect to be on your feet, doing everything from preparing food to order and food preparation, to making sure our restaurant is clean and inviting
  • We have a team environment
  • We need you to be a leader and a team player.
  • Our busiest time is the weekends, - So, we'll ask you to be available to work some weekends and some holidays

Requirements:
  • Entry level, no experience required
  • Must have a positive and friendly attitude
  • Teens welcome but must be 16 years old +

We are a strong, growing company dedicated to our Customers and Associates. We are hiring and would love to talk to you about being on our team.

What Waffle House employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply